There are a lot of positives
that come from buying gently used goods. But it’s not
always pleasant to shop for them. So what if there were a
way to streamline the process? Enter Previously Owned By A Gay Man, a new type of consignment store that makes shopping for the home easier than ever.

I love a good houseplant.
They connect your space with the outdoors, freshen the air inside, and
are an easy way to add life and texture to an empty corner. Living
walls do houseplants one better. Call them the wild child of the potted
kingdom. Read on to learn more.

I’ve written before about the wonders of indoor/outdoor rugs for spaces with kids. They’re durable, extremely easy to clean, inexpensive and green. They are not the only good choice for a family household, though. A wool Persian rug is an excellent alternative. It offers a sophisticated look and soft hand, and can take pretty much anything you can dish out.

One Friday recently, fellow designer Kate Hayes and I braved the Brooklyn rain to trek to a magical realm of wallcoverings: Flavor Paper. The small business designs and produces a myriad of patterns right in our neighborhood, and I couldn't wait to check out their offerings up close.

Flavor Paper is not what you'd call subdued. In fact, their work is pretty outrageous. So it's not for the faint of heart, nor is it for every space. But for those with a good sense of humor or bold taste, it's a truly excellent resource.

Ever
find yourself swooning at a totally beautiful rug, only to think: no
way can I get that. I’d never be able to keep it clean! If that rug is
cotton or wool, sure, that could well be the case. But what if it were
made of another material, one that wore like iron and washed like a
dream? I’m happy to say that there is. Meet polypropylene.